President Joe Biden on Wednesday night explained his surprising decision to withdraw from the presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, telling Americans that “defending our democracy is more important than any title.”
“I am energized and joyed by serving the American people,” Biden said in the Oval Office.
“But this sacred mission of perfecting our Union is not about me. It’s about you, your families, your future. It’s about ‘We the People.'”
“I gave my heart and soul to my country,” Biden said, “and I think you all know how grateful I am to you.”
Biden’s speech came three days after the 81-year-old president dropped out of the race against Republican nominee former President Donald Trump and fully endorsed Harris.
US President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to end his Democratic presidential bid for reelection.
Evan Vucci | via Reuters
“I have decided that the best way to move forward is to pass the baton to a new generation,” Biden said.
“That’s the best way to unite our country.”
Biden did not mention Trump by name, but he agreed that he believes Trump poses a threat to the United States if elected in November and the risks Biden would have faced if he continued campaigning.
“I ran for president four years ago because I believed, and I still believe, that the soul of America was at stake,” said Biden, who defeated Trump in 2020. “The very essence of who we are was at stake, and it still is.”
U.S. President Joe Biden thanks the camera crew and stands next to first lady Jill Biden after addressing the nation about his decision to forgo Democratic reelection from the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, in Washington.
Evan Vucci | via Reuters
But the president said he has made it clear in recent weeks that “we need to unite our party in this important effort.”
Biden said his record “qualifies me for a second term.”
“But nothing will stand in the way of saving our democracy,” the president said, “including personal ambition.”
Biden, who is set to serve out the remainder of his first term, which ends in January, returned to Washington on Tuesday after spending several days in isolation at his Delaware beach house recovering from COVID-19.
Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race on Sunday while in coronavirus quarantine came after a weeks-long pressure campaign by Democratic lawmakers, donors and strategists calling for him to step down following his poor performance in a debate with Trump in June.
The debate debacle added to long-standing concerns about Biden’s age and his ability to mount a successful campaign against Trump, much less complete a second term as president.
Since Sunday, the Biden-Harris team has been in a honeymoon period.
US President Joe Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, about his decision to end his Democratic presidential bid for reelection.
Evan Vucci | via Reuters
Ms Harris has secured the support of hundreds of Democratic lawmakers and administration officials, including some who had long been mentioned as top contenders to succeed Mr Biden.
Those names have been ruled out as potential challengers to Harris and are instead on the list of candidates to be her running mate.
Ms. Harris is also raising record amounts of money online and from big donors, her first few rallies were the most well-attended of this election cycle and she is beginning to catch up with Mr. Trump in the polls, according to early voter surveys.
Biden again gave his full endorsement to his vice president in a speech on Wednesday.
“I’ve made my choice. I’ve voiced my opinion. And I want to thank the great Vice President Kamala Harris,” he said. “She’s experienced, she’s tough, she’s capable. She’s been a great partner for me and a great leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.”
Biden then reminded Americans of their power in the election.
“The great thing about America is that we are not ruled by kings or dictators,” the president said.
“The people do. History is in your hands. Power is in your hands. The ideals of America are in your hands.”
About 40 people, including family members, watched Biden speak from the Oval Office.
When he finished speaking, the audience applauded for about a minute.
First Lady Jill Biden tweeted a handwritten message shortly after the speech.
“To those who never wavered, those who refused to doubt, those who always kept believing, my heart is full of gratitude,” Jill Biden wrote. “Thank you for putting your faith in Joe. Now it’s time to put your faith in Kamala.”
